Physical activity behaviour in people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease; a qualitative study

Ciara Hanrahan; Joseph Mcveigh; Terence M O’Connor; Thierry Troosters; Julie Broderick

Abstract

Rationale and aims 

The aim of this focus group study was to explore participants’ perceptions of their own physical activity engagement, including their knowledge and use of behaviour change interventions for physical activity. Identifying and translating behavioural factors associated with physical activity in people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) may be useful in supporting a more active lifestyle.

Methods 

Purposive sampling methods were undertaken, where participants who responded to a survey exploring physical activity behaviour in COPD were asked to volunteer for a follow-up focus group study, which took place February- April 2025. All participants had COPD, were over 18 years and lived in the Republic of Ireland.

Analysis 

Reflexive thematic analysis was utilised to interpret focus group data. Findings were mapped to the theoretical domain’s framework helping to identify behavioural influences.

Findings 

Twenty-two participants took part in four focus groups. Three major themes were identified in the data in relation to knowledge and use of behaviour change interventions for physical activity: connection and meaningfulness, environmental and social context and the body as a limiting factor. Peer support and routine appear to positively influence behaviour. Limitations caused by disease were identified as negatively impacting physical activity. Theoretical domains including emotion, social influences and reinforcement were prevalent among perceived effective interventions, reflecting complexity in behaviour.

Conclusion 

Physical activity behaviour is complex, particularly in the context of COPD. Understanding and utilising influences such as personal connection and environmental factors may help to advance the care of people with COPD.

Original language	English (Ireland)
Publication status	Published - 2 Sept 2026
Event	The College of Medicine and Health Research Conference 2026: Advancing health: translating discovery to care - College of Medicine and Health, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland Duration: 2 Sept 2026 → 2 Sept 2026 https://www.ucc.ie/en/med-health/researchandinnovation/impact/translating-discovery-to-care-join-comh-for-our-2026-research-conference.html

Conference

Conference	The College of Medicine and Health Research Conference 2026
Country/Territory	Ireland
City	Cork
Period	2/09/26 → 2/09/26
Internet address	https://www.ucc.ie/en/med-health/researchandinnovation/impact/translating-discovery-to-care-join-comh-for-our-2026-research-conference.html

UN SDGs

This output contributes to the following UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

SDG 3 Good Health and Well-being

UCC Futures

Future Ageing and Brain Science
Future Medicines
Future of Health

Cite this

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title = "Physical activity behaviour in people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease; a qualitative study",

abstract = "Rationale and aims  The aim of this focus group study was to explore participants{\textquoteright} perceptions of their own physical activity engagement, including their knowledge and use of behaviour change interventions for physical activity. Identifying and translating behavioural factors associated with physical activity in people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) may be useful in supporting a more active lifestyle. Methods  Purposive sampling methods were undertaken, where participants who responded to a survey exploring physical activity behaviour in COPD were asked to volunteer for a follow-up focus group study, which took place February- April 2025. All participants had COPD, were over 18 years and lived in the Republic of Ireland. Analysis  Reflexive thematic analysis was utilised to interpret focus group data. Findings were mapped to the theoretical domain{\textquoteright}s framework helping to identify behavioural influences. Findings  Twenty-two participants took part in four focus groups. Three major themes were identified in the data in relation to knowledge and use of behaviour change interventions for physical activity: connection and meaningfulness, environmental and social context and the body as a limiting factor. Peer support and routine appear to positively influence behaviour. Limitations caused by disease were identified as negatively impacting physical activity. Theoretical domains including emotion, social influences and reinforcement were prevalent among perceived effective interventions, reflecting complexity in behaviour. Conclusion  Physical activity behaviour is complex, particularly in the context of COPD. Understanding and utilising influences such as personal connection and environmental factors may help to advance the care of people with COPD. ",

author = "Ciara Hanrahan and Joseph Mcveigh and O{\textquoteright}Connor, \{Terence M\} and Thierry Troosters and Julie Broderick",

year = "2026",

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language = "English (Ireland)",

note = "The College of Medicine and Health Research Conference 2026 : Advancing health: translating discovery to care ; Conference date: 02-09-2026 Through 02-09-2026",

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TY - CONF

T1 - Physical activity behaviour in people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease; a qualitative study

AU - Hanrahan, Ciara

AU - Mcveigh, Joseph

AU - O’Connor, Terence M

AU - Troosters, Thierry

AU - Broderick, Julie

PY - 2026/9/2

Y1 - 2026/9/2

N2 - Rationale and aims  The aim of this focus group study was to explore participants’ perceptions of their own physical activity engagement, including their knowledge and use of behaviour change interventions for physical activity. Identifying and translating behavioural factors associated with physical activity in people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) may be useful in supporting a more active lifestyle. Methods  Purposive sampling methods were undertaken, where participants who responded to a survey exploring physical activity behaviour in COPD were asked to volunteer for a follow-up focus group study, which took place February- April 2025. All participants had COPD, were over 18 years and lived in the Republic of Ireland. Analysis  Reflexive thematic analysis was utilised to interpret focus group data. Findings were mapped to the theoretical domain’s framework helping to identify behavioural influences. Findings  Twenty-two participants took part in four focus groups. Three major themes were identified in the data in relation to knowledge and use of behaviour change interventions for physical activity: connection and meaningfulness, environmental and social context and the body as a limiting factor. Peer support and routine appear to positively influence behaviour. Limitations caused by disease were identified as negatively impacting physical activity. Theoretical domains including emotion, social influences and reinforcement were prevalent among perceived effective interventions, reflecting complexity in behaviour. Conclusion  Physical activity behaviour is complex, particularly in the context of COPD. Understanding and utilising influences such as personal connection and environmental factors may help to advance the care of people with COPD.

AB - Rationale and aims  The aim of this focus group study was to explore participants’ perceptions of their own physical activity engagement, including their knowledge and use of behaviour change interventions for physical activity. Identifying and translating behavioural factors associated with physical activity in people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) may be useful in supporting a more active lifestyle. Methods  Purposive sampling methods were undertaken, where participants who responded to a survey exploring physical activity behaviour in COPD were asked to volunteer for a follow-up focus group study, which took place February- April 2025. All participants had COPD, were over 18 years and lived in the Republic of Ireland. Analysis  Reflexive thematic analysis was utilised to interpret focus group data. Findings were mapped to the theoretical domain’s framework helping to identify behavioural influences. Findings  Twenty-two participants took part in four focus groups. Three major themes were identified in the data in relation to knowledge and use of behaviour change interventions for physical activity: connection and meaningfulness, environmental and social context and the body as a limiting factor. Peer support and routine appear to positively influence behaviour. Limitations caused by disease were identified as negatively impacting physical activity. Theoretical domains including emotion, social influences and reinforcement were prevalent among perceived effective interventions, reflecting complexity in behaviour. Conclusion  Physical activity behaviour is complex, particularly in the context of COPD. Understanding and utilising influences such as personal connection and environmental factors may help to advance the care of people with COPD.

M3 - Abstract

T2 - The College of Medicine and Health Research Conference 2026

Y2 - 2 September 2026 through 2 September 2026